Some high school teams might be envious of the Benicia Panthers youth football organization.

Not only did the 14-and-under Panthers boast a 9-0 record in league play but head coach Dan Spivey said his team runs about 185 different sets. That might make some youngsters heads spin but this is not your typical group of players.

The varsity division team will travel to Canton, Ohio from Dec. 14 to Dec. 17 to represent Northern California in the Pro Football Hall of Fame National Youth Championship. Canton, Ohio is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Benicia lost one of its games in the postseason but was still invited to a regional tournament in Santa Rosa where it beat Del Norte 34-0 and Patterson 20-0 to qualify for the national tournament.

Spivey said the team is comprised of kids from Benicia, Vallejo and Fairfield and plays in an unweighted division where players can weigh any amount as long as they are the right age.

“We’ve had to play against some kids who are 270, 280 pounds,” Spivey said.

Spivey also mentioned that his team is comprised of 18 players as opposed to opponents that have boasted rosters of 35 or more.

“I think one of the big differences is these kids have been together for the last 6-7 years,” he said. “They’ve known each other since they were tiny guys.”

Benicia is led by 6-foot-3 wide receiver/defensive end Miles Bradley, linebacker/running back/offensive guard Dominic Spivey, linebacker/running back Janari Boone and quarterback Tyson Wallace.

“We have four very solid players. They are as good as anyone,” Spivey said. “But all of the players have contributed. They have put us over the top.”

The coach said all 18 players want to play high school football.

Spivey said there are expected to be 164 teams in their bracket from all over the nation. The qualifying games are Friday and Saturday with a championship game on Sunday.

Spivey said the cost is about $900 per player for airfare, lodging and other costs. The organization is looking for donations. To contribute, send checks to Benicia Youth Football, 134 E. Tennys Drive., Benicia, CA. 94510.

For more information, contact Spivey at (510) 815-6253 or Raelynn Serafin, (707) 208-1650.